Wolves Wembley wobble as Leeds end dream

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WARRINGTON Wolves’ Wembley dream is over after a second successive semi-final heart break as they went down 16-24 to Leeds Rhinos.
A poor first half showing cost the Wolves, who trailed 14-0 at the break after an error strewn half, which saw them, surrender possession nine times.
Leeds who made just two errors, capitalised on Warrington’s mistakes and it was always going to be a big ask to get back into the game. But to their credit the Wolves fought back out scoring the Rhinos 16-10 in the second period.
Wolves’ boss Tony Smith said he was proud of the way his team had responded after the break but giving a “class team” like Leeds 14 points in the first half was always going to create an uphill struggle.
Leeds took the lead on three minutes when Sinfield converted a penalty awarded for obstruction.
The Rhinos continued to attack the Wolves defensive line which held firm for 20 minutes before a knock on by Grix on 24 minutes. From the scrum Ryan Hall went over in the corner and Sinfield kept his cool to land a great conversion to make it 8-0.
More mistakes from Warrington gifted Leeds possession and Hall went in at the corner again on 36 minutes after being put over by Hardaker. Sinfield again landed another touchline conversion to make it 14-0 at the break – and a long way back for the Wolves.
Warrington needed to score first after the interval and they did on 44 minutes from Chris Bridge but he couldn’t add the extra from out wide making it 14-4.
But Leeds responded with a darting run from Burrow who sent Joel Moon over on 54 minutes. Sinfield failed with the conversion making it 18-4.
But it was Leeds who were now starting to look shaky and Warrington came close as Chris Hill dropped the ball in a three man tackle over the line. More Warrington pressure paid off on the hour when Stefan Ratchford got the ball down over the line and Bridge landed the extras to make it 18-10 and game on.
The next score was crucial and it went the way of Leeds as Briscoe just managed to outpace Rhys Evans to score under the sticks, giving Sinfield a simple kick to make it 24-10 with 13 minutes to go.
Warrington continued to play expansive rugby and were rewarded on 75 minutes when Ben Westwood took advantage of a loose ball to touch down behind the sticks and with Bridge landing the extras the gap was down to eight points.
But it proved to be too little too late and the end of Warrington’s Wembley dream for the second consecutive year at the semi-final stage.


Chris Bridge makes a break


Ben Harrison powers forward


Tony Smith in reflective mood

FOR A GALLERY OF 60 PICTURES CLICK HERE

Wolves: Russell, J Monaghan, Atkins, Bridge, R Evans, Ratchford, Myler, Hill, M Monaghan, England, Waterhouse, Westwood, Harrison.
Subs: Asotasi, Wood, Grix, Higham

Leeds: Hardaker, Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall, Sinfield, McGuire, Leuluai, Burrow, Peacock, Ablett, Delaney, Jones-Buchanan.
Subs: Aiton, Bailey, Kirke, Sutcliffe.

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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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